tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37936770698135442962017-09-08T03:16:25.942-07:00My latino wife calls me Sweetiemichael nicksnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-41446398507041881832017-07-20T12:04:00.000-07:002017-07-20T13:03:18.752-07:00My Book is Published!I have been writing about 5 years now for this blog and other online companies. It is exciting to finally publish my very own book! The idea came to me in a dream, and I have created a short story book and want to keep writing this, as a series.<br /><br />Some people say writing is hard work, but it seems to come easy to me and I enjoy it. The story is about a hidden vortex society of oddballs, which uses Artificial Intelligence to survive and rely on themselves for a better life.<br /><br />It is now available on Amazon Kindle Edition and is free for a limited time. Here is the link and enjoy! &nbsp;<a href="http://amazon.com/Vortex-Future-Now-Book-ebook/dp/B073W7N2W4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1500576126&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=the+vortex-the+future+is+now" target="_blank">The Vortex-The Future is Now</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUTo3kHh_m0/WXD9tgNjbGI/AAAAAAAABPs/GBn_s7W1WakTNQAhcBjwYtQoOKFcG2T0wCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bvortex%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="116" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUTo3kHh_m0/WXD9tgNjbGI/AAAAAAAABPs/GBn_s7W1WakTNQAhcBjwYtQoOKFcG2T0wCLcBGAs/s1600/the%2Bvortex%2Bbook.jpg" /></a></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-39035057735464353142017-05-10T16:11:00.000-07:002017-05-10T16:11:48.441-07:00Spring Cleaning. Time to #DonateStuffCreateJobs and #ShopGoodwill This is a social good post for <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodwillIntl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Goodwill Industries</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/AdCouncil" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ad Council</a> via <a href="http://blogginmamas.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloggin' Mamas</a>. &nbsp;No monetary compensation was given to post this and any opinions stated are mine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAZIIdkxqow/WROVggIXnWI/AAAAAAAABN4/UzNUB2pwNTANxIGOMVV-sFsg2Jg0N-E3QCLcB/s1600/goodwill%2B115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAZIIdkxqow/WROVggIXnWI/AAAAAAAABN4/UzNUB2pwNTANxIGOMVV-sFsg2Jg0N-E3QCLcB/s400/goodwill%2B115.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;">Now I'm not near 115 years old, but I do remember seeing plenty of Goodwill stores in my day. &nbsp;Seems like it was always the first place to go if you were looking for the unique and unusual. &nbsp;As a parttime EBay seller, that's one of the first places I go to when I travel. Guess you can say that between my wife <a href="http://bbabushka.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Babushka</a> and myself, we've accumulated quite a lot. Matter of fact, h</span>aven't written on the blog much, doing some major Spring cleaning, so it seems perfect to post something about just that. Not only is Spring Cleaning good for one's soul- getting rid of excess and clearing space, now come to read it's good for one's community too.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>"Over the past several years, most of us have had a family member, friend, acquaintance struggle in this economy. Either they have lost a job or struggled to find employment. And if not someone you know personally, really, all you have to do is turn on the TV or pull up social media to see the struggle. It is real. Goodwill’s career centers, training programs and staffing operations give people the resources, skills and confidence that changes thousands of lives each year. So how can you help to be a part of this growth and effort in your own community? It’s easy! Donate to Goodwill = create jobs!"<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qqi3BHAos9I" width="560"></iframe></center><center><br /></center>"Thanks to the programs and support services made possible by donations of clothes and household items, Goodwill helped place more than 312,000 people in jobs in the United States and Canada in 2015 – that’s one person finding a job every 23 seconds of every business day.<br /><br />Why donate? Because what you may not want or have use for may be perfect for someone else! If we have perfectly good items that can be loved by someone else, why not help our community? If you are not sure where your local Goodwill is, you can use the Goodwill Locator App available for Android and iOS devices and at <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.goodwill.org/</a> (click “Explore Our Map” on the homepage). Simply input the items you’re donating to calculate the number of hours of career counseling, on-the-job training, résumé preparation, financial planning classes, and other services you’ve helped provide people facing challenges finding employment. When jobs thrive, communities thrive. Last year, nearly 2 million people engaged in face-to-face Goodwill services to advance in their careers. More than 35 million people accessed education, training, mentoring and online learning tools offered by Goodwill virtually to strengthen their skills and gain industry-recognized credentials. We have done our part! Now it is time for you to do yours! Tag us on your social media posts with a photo of your Goodwill donations using #DonateStuffCreateJobs." <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFChxqMf9hE/WROaf4MOXsI/AAAAAAAABOI/iDGtCUOo2hUSihBv8c6mvUSrLjFcpmSlACLcB/s1600/goodwill1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFChxqMf9hE/WROaf4MOXsI/AAAAAAAABOI/iDGtCUOo2hUSihBv8c6mvUSrLjFcpmSlACLcB/s400/goodwill1.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Another cool thing I just found: "Calculate the Value of Your Clutter: Clean out your closet.You can even calculate how much your donation helps your local community by using Goodwill’s Donation Impact Calculator, a feature available within the Goodwill Locator App available for Android and iOS devices and at <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.goodwill.org/</a> (click “Explore Our Map” on the homepage). Simply input the items you’re donating to calculate the number of hours of career counseling, on-the-job training, résumé preparation, financial planning classes, and other services you’ve helped provide people facing challenges finding employment. When jobs thrive, communities thrive. #DonateStuffCreateJobs" <br /><br />So, I'm feeling good about cleaning, clearing and helping my community. Come join BB &amp; me and let's see how much Good Will we can make!<br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-24245768151800961902017-02-26T19:05:00.000-08:002017-02-27T13:07:57.043-08:00President Trump?The recent election of Donald Trump has left the world in awe. Trump is an authoritarian leader who made some big promises during his election campaign. &nbsp;His predictions and plans for the future seem radical for a United States President. Is this good or bad? Why did voters see him so differently?<br /><br />President Trump won the most divided election in history and he made some people believe he could do something for them. Some of the promises he made include, protecting our borders and country, increasing our Gross Domestic Product while putting America first again.<br /><br />Americans are hardworking and they believe Trump can put them back to work again, despite the fact that companies will not be increasing their productivity. He does not believe in climate change and has hired many billionaires and millionaires to his cabinet.<br /><br />He wants to makes us a more sovereign country with little outside influence. Europe, Japan and others are scared of him making for an unstable world. This seems backwards to me but only time will tell.if this billionaire's plans create chaos or if the world comes to their senses.<br /><br />We can't predict the future and this is why President Trump gives us such great concern, because we have not seen a president like this ever in history. &nbsp;Many of us are still scratching our heads about how the country and the world will turn out.<br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-73272155867583173932017-01-11T10:41:00.000-08:002017-01-11T14:17:56.279-08:00History Can be Fun, Just Visit St. Augustine @FlHistoricCoast #hostedMy <a href="https://twitter.com/BBabushka" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wife</a> landed a vacation to the nearby historic town of St. Augustine thanks to the great people of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ViajaSanAgustin/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Viaja San Agustin</a> and <a href="http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Florida Historic Coast</a>. We are writers and both of us had endless fun. You might be saying aren't all vacations fun, well they can be. This charming city has many attractions to keep one busy and we could not do all the things we had scheduled. I don't know, but I think I'm the perfect age to enjoy and appreciate all the city has to offer.<br /><br />Visiting this beautiful old-world charming city in the winter is hard to beat, because you get all the holiday essence like the <a href="http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night of Lights</a>. This fun, chilly ride around the city lets you enjoy it decorated with lots of white lights. You ride in a little train experiencing &nbsp;a winter wonderland in the oldest city in the U.S. while the driver plays fun music. They even had 3D glasses, which lit up santa everywhere you looked.<br /><br />The historic sites like the 1695 fort, <a href="https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Castillo de San Marcos</a> built by the Spanish is just one of the many interesting places to visit and linger in the past. Many tours like the one at the Colonial Quarter help you understand the impact it had on our history.<br /><br />&nbsp;Maybe you aren't so much into history, then there are a variety of restaurants like the <a href="http://raintreerestaurant.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raintree</a>, which was set in a Victorian house. The food was great and the staff and owners make you feel at home. Another favorite is the <a href="http://www.sansebastianwinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Sebastian Wine</a> tasting tour and can you believe St Augustine has its own <a href="http://staugustinedistillery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">distillery</a>?<br /><br />The Spanish architecture, museums and beautiful churches are everywhere you look around this charming town.<b><a href="http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> St. Augustine will leave you wanting to come back and visit, over and over!</a></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKVRWVvix1M/WHZyvvH93VI/AAAAAAAABJ0/zNkyAdw52VMwUeZnhTX_LgY8R1tutUAvwCLcB/s1600/lightner%2Bmuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="St. Augustine Florida Night of Lights" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKVRWVvix1M/WHZyvvH93VI/AAAAAAAABJ0/zNkyAdw52VMwUeZnhTX_LgY8R1tutUAvwCLcB/s640/lightner%2Bmuseum.jpg" title="St. Augustine Florida Night of Lights" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.floridashistoriccoast.com/nights-lights" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night of Lights&nbsp;</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neklWVZJ8xY/WHZy26EnIjI/AAAAAAAABJ4/Eql0adqtRu8e7RTBhAF1BV9rglasbqWZwCLcB/s1600/Lightner%2BMuseum%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lightner Museum St. Augustine Florida" border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-neklWVZJ8xY/WHZy26EnIjI/AAAAAAAABJ4/Eql0adqtRu8e7RTBhAF1BV9rglasbqWZwCLcB/s640/Lightner%2BMuseum%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="Lightner Museum St. Augustine Florida" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ponce De Leon at the<a href="http://lightnermuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Lightner Museum</a></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_dTgiz4Vnc/WHZ6a75U6nI/AAAAAAAABKc/-r2F-ZyGU-QU4NDr0G_2Q5Zo-e8Zm2FNACLcB/s1600/Distillery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Florida St. Augustine Distillery" border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_dTgiz4Vnc/WHZ6a75U6nI/AAAAAAAABKc/-r2F-ZyGU-QU4NDr0G_2Q5Zo-e8Zm2FNACLcB/s640/Distillery.jpg" title="Florida St. Augustine Distillery" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://staugustinedistillery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St. Augustine Distillery</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D4_3VsivnU/WHZ6kTQiymI/AAAAAAAABKg/IHw0GXoPY-YMQDEp2Oh73Vp1bo1RXX50QCLcB/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9D4_3VsivnU/WHZ6kTQiymI/AAAAAAAABKg/IHw0GXoPY-YMQDEp2Oh73Vp1bo1RXX50QCLcB/s640/church.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.memorialpcusa.org/" target="_blank">Memorial Presbyterian Church</a> is Florida's first and oldest Presbyterian congregation, established in June 1824.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kyLfSEwwn4/WHZ65vZGaiI/AAAAAAAABKo/PeUlVlGk-9A8Qrp7JOsGnfsh7OCLYDkfwCLcB/s1600/Raintree%2Brestauranrt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Raintree Restaurant St. Augustine Florida" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kyLfSEwwn4/WHZ65vZGaiI/AAAAAAAABKo/PeUlVlGk-9A8Qrp7JOsGnfsh7OCLYDkfwCLcB/s640/Raintree%2Brestauranrt.jpg" title="Raintree Restaurant St. Augustine Florida" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed flounder with crab at the <a href="http://raintreerestaurant.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raintree Restaurant</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2D4cVi8tBg/WHZ6tv7Z3FI/AAAAAAAABKk/_2T1nX5KZTYcKIbDXAgSoNPUDwSrd2WoQCEw/s1600/Castillo%2Bde%2BSan%2BMarcos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Castillo de San Marcos St. Augustine Florida" border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2D4cVi8tBg/WHZ6tv7Z3FI/AAAAAAAABKk/_2T1nX5KZTYcKIbDXAgSoNPUDwSrd2WoQCEw/s640/Castillo%2Bde%2BSan%2BMarcos.jpg" title="Castillo de San Marcos St. Augustine Florida Oldest US Fort" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm" target="_blank">Castillo de San Marcos</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><div dir="ltr" lang="en">"3 days not enough" dijo <a href="https://twitter.com/BabushkasSweeti">@babushkasSweeti</a> esp. After <a href="https://twitter.com/SanSebastianW">@SanSebastianW</a> tasting. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hosted?src=hash">#hosted</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Viajasanagustin?src=hash">#Viajasanagustin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlHistoricCoast?src=hash">#FlHistoricCoast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StAugustine?src=hash">#StAugustine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/loveFl?src=hash">#loveFl</a> <a href="https://t.co/HjsVcvnebZ">pic.twitter.com/HjsVcvnebZ</a></div>— bohemian babushka (@BBabushka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBabushka/status/817133047707475968">January 5, 2017</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-18952308325453557372016-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:002016-12-23T09:58:50.977-08:00Enjoy the Season for Giving and Ease off the Manic Decorating<div style="text-align: justify;">Another Christmas is upon us and you can see all the combos of decorations that everyone puts in their yard and on TV. There is a show that has a competition on lighting up your house and everyone is excited from this manic decorating. To me it is a little irritating although it can be entertaining at times.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The thing that irritates me the most is how so many houses you see decorated lack any real theme, which just gives me visual overload. I guess if your a youngster it can be fun but not for some folks. It seems people had more taste in putting up their outdoor decorations in the past, not just including every possible combination of Christmas characters imaginable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My advice is to create a theme before starting your outdoor decorating, then proceed. One other note I have observed is there are less manger scenes these days, but I'm always more impressed by the ones I do see than any of the other decorations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Merry Christmas! Enjoy the shots around Crawfordville and Tallahassee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT-55CGsVwQ/WF1lS6SpVqI/AAAAAAAABIo/_AQDJLV_Stw4SVVTJCZpjU83UN6Bs448gCLcB/s1600/park%2Bavenue%2Btallahassee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xT-55CGsVwQ/WF1lS6SpVqI/AAAAAAAABIo/_AQDJLV_Stw4SVVTJCZpjU83UN6Bs448gCLcB/s320/park%2Bavenue%2Btallahassee.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Park Avenue Tallahassee</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkqI9MKStEQ/WF1j_Mp85aI/AAAAAAAABIc/Sj3MJBu17tU0NGiFKXV4T7e6OoVBQHicgCLcB/s1600/sweetie%2Bchristmas%2B%2BCollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas Tallahassee Crawfordville Florida" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkqI9MKStEQ/WF1j_Mp85aI/AAAAAAAABIc/Sj3MJBu17tU0NGiFKXV4T7e6OoVBQHicgCLcB/s400/sweetie%2Bchristmas%2B%2BCollage.jpg" title="Christmas Tallahassee Crawfordville Florida" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With wife Babushka in Dorothy Ovens Park night time Tallahassee.<br />Day shots of Crawfordville Courthouse.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-4929924106933733212016-09-22T19:20:00.000-07:002016-10-04T07:00:35.135-07:00Another Hurricane and its name was Hermine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfVxmPLr2Lw/V-SKwHW2l7I/AAAAAAAAA7M/sD8sCObOPNkhctFZf2x-kWfqdDvNQzP5gCLcB/s1600/down%2Btree%2Bhermes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hurricane hermine aftermath in crawfordville florida" border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QfVxmPLr2Lw/V-SKwHW2l7I/AAAAAAAAA7M/sD8sCObOPNkhctFZf2x-kWfqdDvNQzP5gCLcB/s640/down%2Btree%2Bhermes.jpg" title="hurricane hermine aftermath in crawfordville florida" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Living near the coast in Northwest Florida there is always the risk of getting hit by another hurricane, If you don't reside right on the water then the event is made up of strong gusty winds and heavy rain that comes in bands. This was the first hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 2005, can you actually believe that?!<br /><br />People prepare for the worst which means stocking up on food, flashlights, batteries, ice and other survival supplies, Big trees are nice but not when they come crashing down into your house and this is my biggest worry during these intense storms.<br /><br />I'm happy to say after living in this same spot, my place has never seen any major damage from these trees or wind! It is a nice spot and I want to stay here for some time.<br /><br />The worst was being without power for a day and a half, but feel blessed because some people in Tallahassee had huge trees come down on their property and power was out &nbsp;for more than 100,000.<br /><br />I can say I survived another one living here in this same spot for 23 years, These storms pack winds over 100 mph sometimes, so this is no easy feat . It was also hot without power and I read it was the 2nd hottest summer on record. Only one thing to do, find some cool water and enjoy!<br /><br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKGJsle57Qo/V-WHCFyrx4I/AAAAAAAAA7o/jP2Qig-l8TsAG4bkRwvyX2fun2HKt0Y0ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160908_175027%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKGJsle57Qo/V-WHCFyrx4I/AAAAAAAAA7o/jP2Qig-l8TsAG4bkRwvyX2fun2HKt0Y0ACLcB/s640/IMG_20160908_175027%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-14773980862236508642016-08-26T16:23:00.000-07:002016-08-26T21:00:12.685-07:00"Lost in Space" Brings Back Memories<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/lost%20in%20space" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="lost in space photo: Lost in Space Cast lis33.jpg" border="0" src="https://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z468/Jamie80Rocks/Lost%20in%20Space/lis33.jpg" title="lost in space photo: Lost in Space Cast lis33.jpg photobucket" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #7699d2; font-family: &quot;museosans&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;">photobucket via&nbsp;</span><a class="profileOwnerLink" href="http://s1191.photobucket.com/user/Jamie80Rocks/profile/" style="background-color: white; color: #7699d2; font-family: MuseoSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline-offset: -2px; outline: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; top: 2px; white-space: nowrap;">Jamie80Rocks</a>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />It is amazing how watching an old movie or TV show brings back memories of the actual time period of the sixties. If you can remember the TV sci-fi series "<a href="http://www.hulu.com/lost-in-space" target="_blank">Lost in Space</a>" then you kind of know what I mean. This was just a fun show to watch about being in futuristic space in what was 1997!<br /><br />You might have heard some great stories about the 60's if you are from a different generation and it was a fun time! It seemed like the development of space would have accelerated quicker than it has when I was growing up in the sixties.<br /><br />My dad was an engineer who worked on some of the first rockets sent into space and he always had some great stories when he came home. Space seemed very real back then, not just in the wacky TV series "Lost in Space". John F. Kennedy was big on the space program and it seemed to be progressing fast and I remember support decreasing as time went by and my dad losing his job.<br /><br />Now watching "Lost in Space" on Hulu, it has brought back some amazing memories even though the series only ran three years. I think the sixties really were great and opportunistic years and I am enjoying a part of them once again.<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hntBiZZsiaA" width="420"></iframe></center><center></center><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hntBiZZsiaA" target="_blank">Youtube video</a>&nbsp;of "Lost in Space", enjoy the cool music and how the show begins.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Sweetie signing off for now.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-73520238645093843292016-08-07T21:36:00.001-07:002016-08-13T10:30:33.211-07:00Summer Vacation in Volusia County, Florida<span id="docs-internal-guid-b3a7c1da-6f68-8b40-d252-e9e0e7ba4c33"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This trip was hosted by </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeaWorld/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SeaWorld</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VisitWestVolusia/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 14.6667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">West Volusia Tourism</span></a><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot;; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> group.</span></span><br /><br /><br />Well, I needed a summer vacation so, my wife and granddaughter ventured with me to Volusia County near Orlando. My wife, <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bohemian Babushka</a>, has some connections and she got us a two day stay at the Deland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hamptoninn.debfl/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hampton Inn</a>, yes amazing. This was great, because not only do you get a great room, with a pool and gym, but you get the-all you can eat breakfast and can go back and have a little bit more later. They also have 24 hour coffee bar and 8 pm is time for fresh baked Cookies &amp; Milk. What a great place to stay and relax!<br /><br />Before checking into the hotel, we went to a<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeaWorld/posts/10154875663517565" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> "splash party" at Sea World</a> with our granddaughter La Princesa and she had a great time. I didn't do the splash party, but got soaked anyway with a torrential rain and thunderstorm. Didn't help with my cold, but it did make for a wonderful family memory.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DG-thcyzyok/V6f9SIbxvRI/AAAAAAAAAu4/PsTKxkojccgMqB_vRZEg39YbsPfX81gxACLcB/s1600/DSCF3072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DG-thcyzyok/V6f9SIbxvRI/AAAAAAAAAu4/PsTKxkojccgMqB_vRZEg39YbsPfX81gxACLcB/s640/DSCF3072.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next up was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-River-Eco-Tours-129159777116375/?fref=ts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">St. Johns eco riverboat tour</a>, which was a beautiful and relaxing ride where you could see some creatures that make their home here, like these Barred Owls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5fAWS0Cu6A/V6f_JwF2MdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1a7-m297uksCvTeDo_fom2raUkSg1yC-wCLcB/s1600/Barred%2Bowls%2Bon%2Briver.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5fAWS0Cu6A/V6f_JwF2MdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/1a7-m297uksCvTeDo_fom2raUkSg1yC-wCLcB/s640/Barred%2Bowls%2Bon%2Briver.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">La Princesa got to drive the riverboat and she did very well.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxOUIwHw8OE/V6f_uhgqZFI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/6MeaINERrT410WITGhD5JiXfirmY9KNAgCLcB/s1600/DSCF3089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fxOUIwHw8OE/V6f_uhgqZFI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/6MeaINERrT410WITGhD5JiXfirmY9KNAgCLcB/s640/DSCF3089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">La Princesa needed a summer trip as much as we did and she wanted pizza and had it twice.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now you know you have to please royalty, so pizza at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FlippersPizzeria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Flippers</a> and at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FamilyFunTown/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Family Fun Town</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2cZvZugN54/V6gKPpCs1eI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ajrLC94htdU6zEwa2cMoezvleOTw58n5QCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160731_131842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u2cZvZugN54/V6gKPpCs1eI/AAAAAAAAAwE/ajrLC94htdU6zEwa2cMoezvleOTw58n5QCLcB/s640/IMG_20160731_131842.jpg" width="640" /></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides the awesome pizza, the<a href="http://familyfuntown.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Family Fun Town</a>, has miniature golf, arcade games, batting cages and go carts. &nbsp;We did almost all of it and had a good time. They have great family packs and options to make it a truly fun place for full days and parties. &nbsp;They picked their name perfectly; we could have stayed there the whole day!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zBt10ToT3A/V6leUb_mZeI/AAAAAAAAAws/Qz2r7r5MGT0e14RSiNOJDdwqUvrt68M1ACLcB/s1600/PhotoGrid_1470675059217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3zBt10ToT3A/V6leUb_mZeI/AAAAAAAAAws/Qz2r7r5MGT0e14RSiNOJDdwqUvrt68M1ACLcB/s320/PhotoGrid_1470675059217.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The go carts were fun for both of us; they were fast.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a fun and relaxing vacation and looking forward to going to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.unitedforagoodcause.org/hispanic-fest16/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Destin</a>&nbsp;next month, thanks to my <a href="http://twitter.com/bbabushka" target="_blank">Babushka</a>! &nbsp;I just love being married to a travel blogger, hope to become one myself soon; it's a great gig if you can get it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Where would you love to go if you could travel anywhere?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So long for now,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Sweetie</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-66679681489428187232016-07-06T10:18:00.003-07:002016-07-06T10:32:37.724-07:00Homeowner help with the #MHA<img alt="Ad_Council_TW" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-77" src="http://techfrustrated.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Ad_Council_TW-1024x512.png" height="420" width="840" /> This is a PSA in collaboration with the Ad council.Many of us are struggling financially, and I'm proud to share this information to help.<br /><br />Foreclosures can have a devastating effect on families and communities. There are still too many homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments or facing the prospect of losing their homes. About one in 13 homeowners nationwide has fallen behind on his or her mortgage payments, putting them at a higher risk of foreclosure. Some people may go their entire lives without ever having to face the struggle of foreclosure. If you are reading this, I hope that you are one of those people. But if you are or maybe it isn’t you, it is someone you know and love, I hope you are not going through it alone. It is a sad but true fact that most people who have foreclosure knocking at their door have no idea where to turn and they have no idea that there is actually help available to them. And what is worse – many of these people fall victim to scams that not only will not help them but will make their situation even more unstable.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fzo83o39X3s" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /> <a href="http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/" target="_blank">Making Home Affordable</a> is a free government resource that can make paying the mortgage easier for homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments. With free help from HUD-approved housing experts, homeowners can avoid being scammed by those demanding payment for assistance. <strong>When it comes to upfront fees, MHA tells homeowners, “Don’t Pay, Walk Away.”</strong> o Through the federal Making Home Affordable program, many homeowners have received much-needed help to reduce their monthly payments, get mortgage relief, and avoid foreclosure. o Telephone scammers often request payment by wire transfer services similar to MoneyGram, or completion of paperwork containing your Social Security Number. Do not make any mortgage payments by wire transfer, or provide any personal information, in response to these calls. If you receive unsolicited calls, always check with your mortgage company using the phone number on your mortgage statement, or call 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) to check its legitimacy. o Beware of telephone calls urging you to take advantage of the Making Home Affordable Program. Beware of anyone seeking to charge you in advance for mortgage modification services. In most cases, charging fees in advance of a mortgage modification is illegal. o Paying a third party to assist with your application may not improve your likelihood of receiving a mortgage modification. Beware of individuals or companies that ask you for payment, tout their success rate, or claim to be Making Home Affordable (MHA) or Home Affordable Modification (HAMP) experts. <img alt="infographic-housing-councel" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-76" src="http://techfrustrated.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/infographic-housing-councel.gif" height="174" width="600" /> The Making Home Affordable (MHA) housing counseling experts at 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) are available around-the-clock (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), in over 170 languages, and at no cost. They will help homeowners understand their options and design a plan to suit their individual situation. Homeowners who are struggling to make mortgage payments can call 888-995-HOPE™ (4673) or visit <a href="http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/" target="_blank">MakingHomeAffordable.gov</a> for free resources and information to help them deal with their mortgage problems and avoid foreclosure.d foreclosure.<br /><br />I know this is a great resource and hope it helps many of you.<br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-41723117737625910512016-06-22T20:21:00.001-07:002016-06-23T12:06:49.657-07:00Florida State Parks and Historical Re-enactmentsAnytime you get the chance to see history come to life, it is educational and fun. My wife and I spent a saturday watching one of these re-enactments at a beautiful Florida state park. Beautiful thick oak trees with hanging moss set the stage at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Fort-Mose" target="_blank">Fort Mose Historic State Park</a>&nbsp;where our theater group was putting on a play and we would stay and get to see the historic battle of Fort Mose located in St. Augustine.<br /><br />My wife sometimes acts in the play, but is now the social media director for the "Theater with a Mission" or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Theater-with-a-Mission-144464259004786/" target="_blank">TWAM</a>. I was there to take pictures and video of the play "El Muerto". It was great fun and was surprised by some great acting of the Spanish and British Leaders that were in the battle. Check out this video of them conversing before the battle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw1ftHzC44VuNLBoxkuj05OIWyPV2eYATA0V1BIPTsYhYV3JyfQcyRATg7M9_c80WAQlQ_dEH7AaS1oeI1ZVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ4-oMnhYY/V2wtTqIYgSI/AAAAAAAAAtY/TSQ_WGfE-kUnFXJF-j5qpw873XhP_BrcQCLcB/s1600/TWAM%2Bgroup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4bQ4-oMnhYY/V2wtTqIYgSI/AAAAAAAAAtY/TSQ_WGfE-kUnFXJF-j5qpw873XhP_BrcQCLcB/s320/TWAM%2Bgroup.JPG" width="320" /></a><br /><br />Being outside in a beautiful Florida park is hard to beat and the historic plays and re-enactments are so much fun! That is General Oglethorpe for the British in the red jacket.<br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-10404864729158276332016-06-12T15:36:00.000-07:002016-06-12T20:10:40.254-07:00My Wife says, "I Got Lucky When I Married Her"My wife sometimes says to me, "You got lucky when you married me", and I always answer her swiftly with a "yes"! There are a number of things about my wife Sonia or her persona, Bohemian Babushka that make me lucky.<br /><br />&nbsp;So far it hasn't been her playing of the lottery that has made me lucky, but we have been on the roll lately with the Florida game, "Lucky Money" winning a couple dollars many times. The quotation by my wife usually comes after a great meal that she has prepared and she knows I love it when she sees my head bobbing.<br /><br />The other night she fixed an original tasting pork with a light barbecue sauce with one of my favorites, red beans and rice with squash in it. The mix of red beans, tender pork and squash is out of this world! Check out this picture below.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwYadHWTfI/V13X7BtkmzI/AAAAAAAAArM/zEagbJoG4kEu5LiZFnTYxwd4E4cbaWeJQCLcB/s1600/DSCF2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cuban Food BBQ pork Red Beans and Rice" border="0" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FhwYadHWTfI/V13X7BtkmzI/AAAAAAAAArM/zEagbJoG4kEu5LiZFnTYxwd4E4cbaWeJQCLcB/s640/DSCF2967.JPG" title="Cuban Food BBQ pork Red Beans and Rice" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I didn't marry Babushka for her cooking but like she says I got lucky! With her warm smile, twinkling eyes, exotic look and countless other assets, yea, very lucky!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGHjU5N9xJI/V13dCiwJ1JI/AAAAAAAAArk/4x4H3dNNqTYelgMJKcV9XHPrmv6CRNkhQCLcB/s1600/DSCF2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BB natural " border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGHjU5N9xJI/V13dCiwJ1JI/AAAAAAAAArk/4x4H3dNNqTYelgMJKcV9XHPrmv6CRNkhQCLcB/s400/DSCF2969.JPG" title="BB natural" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-5333985480503382252016-06-05T22:44:00.000-07:002016-06-05T22:44:51.485-07:00My Cat Mojo and His NightLifeMojo, my all black cat did something that was interesting the other night. Mojo is for the most part an indoor cat. He is very picky when he does decide to go outside, always careful and very slow to exit the door.<br /><br />Sometimes he is motivated to go out when I'm going to throw his litter waste in the trash can. He follows me down to the front of the house where the can is located and this bothers me, because there is a busy road nearby.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdgCFuaOMiY/V1UMb0hTE1I/AAAAAAAAAqs/IsmboQDbMkombC95mRjmMxnF4QtuH6msgCLcB/s1600/DSCF2965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bdgCFuaOMiY/V1UMb0hTE1I/AAAAAAAAAqs/IsmboQDbMkombC95mRjmMxnF4QtuH6msgCLcB/s320/DSCF2965.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the kitchen table where he knows he shouldn't be&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />Whenever he does this I try to keep him from going near this road, but he thinks its a game and wonders into this dark and mysterious place. I try to grab him and make him go back to hangout on top of the car, which seems to be his only other observable nightlife activity.<br /><br />One night I tried to see where Mojo was, so I shined my flashlight into this dark world of his. I saw him standing in the middle of the road just sitting there, very cool-cat like and he didn't move. It was like he was meditating in the street. It was a memorable sight and there can be a speeding car coming down this road at night, but I trusted this wise old man to come back to where he was safe.<br /><br /><br /><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-88320450752670568892016-05-27T14:04:00.001-07:002016-05-27T14:04:49.728-07:00Win a trip to #PuertoVallarta via @BlogginMamas & @VelasVallarta !!<em>Promo</em><br /><br /><br />Twitter chat is over but the giveaway is still going on. If you want to spend 4 days and 3 nights at beautiful Puerta Vallarta then keep reading.<br /><br /><br /> <img alt="The Summer of Family Travel Giveaway- Win a 4 day/ 3 night stay for 4 to Velas Vallarta- Ends 6-7-16- US 18+" class="size-full wp-image-13025 aligncenter" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Summer_Family_Travel_Giveaway_I_Love_Family_Travel_Facebook_Twitter_Image-1.jpg" height="313" width="599" /> <br /><br />&nbsp;As the school-year draws to a close, and you begin prepping for your summertime family travel adventures, we wanted to provide you with some resources, information, tips, deals and more with the launch of <strong>I Love Family Travel's The Summer of Family Travel</strong> series. There will be posts throughout the summer, all focusing on family travel. To celebrate the launch, we've teamed up with the ILFT crew, Bloggin' Mamas and a whole bunch of traveling bloggers, to bring you a #FamilyTravelChat and a huge Giveaway! <br /><h1>#FamilyTravelChat 5/19</h1><div style="text-align: center;">Join us on Twitter Thursday, 5/19/16 at 9p ET as we chat about summer vacation plans and deals, travel gear and more! One random chat participant will win some prizes from <a href="http://www.aquavault.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AquaVault</a>® and our other sponsors. Be sure to follow the chat panelists: @ILvFamilyTravel @BlogginMamas @HeLoEnterprises @BBabushka <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@JenReyneri&quot;}">@JenReyneri </span>@<span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;sjblahblahblog&quot;}">sjblahblahblog </span>@CluelessMomma <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@SarahInTheBurbs&quot;}">@SarahInTheBurbs <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@just2sisters2&quot;}">@just2sisters2 @ItsFreeAtLast @<span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Playroomreport &quot;}">Playroomreport @<span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;LifeWithKathy&quot;}">LifeWithKathy <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@traveljenn&quot;}">@traveljenn <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@seejackierunn&quot;}">@seejackierunn <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@girlrocksosu&quot;}">@girlrocksosu <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@acomptonblogs&quot;}">@acomptonblogs @<span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;bottlesbanter&quot;}">bottlesbanter @xxplumcrazeexx @<span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;localmomscoop&quot;}">localmomscoop <span data-sheets-userformat="{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:[null,0],&quot;12&quot;:0}" data-sheets-value="{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;@rkthatsjustlife&quot;}">@rkthatsjustlife @denisermt @DittlesWorld</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> To make it nice and easy for you to follow, here's the link to the twitter list with everyone: <a href="https://twitter.com/ILvFamilyTravel/lists/familytravelchatpanelists/members" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/ILvFamilyTravel/lists/familytravelchatpanelists/members</a>bit.ly/summerftcrsvpAnd Now For The Giveaway! 5/17-6/7 <img alt="Velas Vallarta Logo" class="size-full wp-image-13040 aligncenter" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/velas-vallarta-logo.png" height="183" width="300" /> <img alt="Velas Vallarta" class="size-full wp-image-13042 alignleft" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/VelasVallarta-4.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></div><br /><br />Does a nice all-inclusive resort stay in sunny Mexico sound good to you? Well, thanks to our sponsor <a href="http://www.velasvallarta.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Velas Vallarta</a>, we are giving away a 4 day/ 3 night all-inclusive stay for a family of 4 at their resort in beautiful Puerto Vallarta, valued at $2400!!!!! Prize: 4 days/3 nights for a family of four in a Family Suite Accommodations in a 2 Bedroom Family Suite - <a href="http://www.velasvallarta.com/suites/rooms.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.velasvallarta.com/suites/rooms.aspx</a><br /><br />&nbsp;All-Inclusive: All-inclusive rates include suite accommodations, a la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. <a href="http://www.velasvallarta.com/services.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.velasvallarta.com/services.aspx</a>&nbsp;ARV – $2400 This is open to US residents, age 18 and older. Entries must be received by June 7th, 2016 at 11:59pm ET. Sponsor responsible for prize fulfillment. <b>Transportation not included.</b> Refer to rafflecopter for terms &amp; conditions. <br /><br />&nbsp; <a class="rcptr" data-raflid="45a91d5f55" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/45a91d5f55/" id="rcwidget_4t1e26kg" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><em><br /></em><em><br /></em><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script> <em>Dis­clo­sure: Blog­gin’ Mamas is being com­pen­sated for man­ag­ing this give­away, but is not respon­si­ble for prize ful­fill­ment or ship­ment, nei­ther are any of the blog­gers involved in this give­away. This give­away is in no way affil­i­ated, endorsed, or asso­ci­ated with Face­book, Twit­ter, Pin­ter­est, Insta­gram, or any other social media out­let.</em><br /><em><br /></em><em><br /></em><em><br /></em><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Good luck and don't forget to enter daily.</b></div><em><br /></em><em><br /></em>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-91225896324380704932016-05-01T17:39:00.001-07:002016-05-27T14:10:37.113-07:00A conversation with my cat<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8NumM_ZRe-A" width="480"></iframe>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-68457591969166136352016-03-31T09:32:00.000-07:002016-05-27T14:16:32.012-07:00My new cat Mojo I recently welcomed a new cat into the house and he has been great. Mojo came from a good family but they had an allergy towards cats. My wife found him online and the owner interviewed me before I could take him home. He is a beautiful all black cat with yellow eyes and he seems to love his new home, even if he did have to adjust to a big white female American Bulldog.<br /><br />The two got acquainted by Mojo almost scratching Lightning the dog's eyes out. Mojo is an older cat and he is a great lap-cat and enjoys his meals. His owner was from Miami,so he loves his pork and chicken. I was told that Mojo was born in Miami so he is used to eating well. &nbsp;Mojo has adjusted and even taken over some parts of the house. He's friendly enough,though there is still an occasional hissing at the dog. He is very verbal when he is hungry in the morning and &nbsp;has been a great joy. This cat's very fun to talk to and seems to have lots to say. &nbsp;Mojo are you ready for YouTube?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTHRmV-Ex18/Vv1QVHoP5aI/AAAAAAAAAog/wAJTHHWfr8sKVAGdR0GbHBlvKeWyqA22g/s1600/DSCF2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTHRmV-Ex18/Vv1QVHoP5aI/AAAAAAAAAog/wAJTHHWfr8sKVAGdR0GbHBlvKeWyqA22g/s640/DSCF2916.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSDzCxiTEQ/Vv7mRtSiH4I/AAAAAAAAAo0/hDvr-fmNPao1kZsp8sdwbBOfbyB6vO-qw/s1600/DSCF2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzSDzCxiTEQ/Vv7mRtSiH4I/AAAAAAAAAo0/hDvr-fmNPao1kZsp8sdwbBOfbyB6vO-qw/s640/DSCF2918.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-443837739513291152016-02-21T19:58:00.001-08:002016-05-26T15:46:05.010-07:00The Super Bowl is More Than Just FootballIf you watched the Super Bowl, chances are you did more than just watch the game. Friends and family gather to enjoy this football game, but some may have no real interest in the game. The Super Bowl has become an annual ritual,celebration, and party for a lot of people.<br /><br />At my house we enjoy the game with some original dishes along with some traditional American food. The game is so much more enjoyable with some good hearty fare. Below is some of the good stuff we enjoyed during this year's Superbowl. But before the spread, you have to make the playing field (serving table) look good. It's not a party without decorations and a theme.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LjGkse6jj4/VsqV9-axdNI/AAAAAAAAAms/C0LwJPp1R7Q/s1600/field%2Bis%2Bready%2Bsweeties%2Bgame%2Bpost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_LjGkse6jj4/VsqV9-axdNI/AAAAAAAAAms/C0LwJPp1R7Q/s640/field%2Bis%2Bready%2Bsweeties%2Bgame%2Bpost.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />First are the chicken wings. You HAVE TO have chicken wings. Now in our house, we give them a tropical taste. &nbsp;My wife <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" target="_blank">Babushka</a>&nbsp;loves <a href="http://vivamejor.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">VivaMejor</a>&nbsp;and always looks for recipes with that Latin touch. The recipe is <a href="http://www.knorr.com/recipes/detail/34801/1/spicy-cilantro-chicken-wings" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Spicy Cilantro Chicken Wings</a>&nbsp;and since BB doesn't do much spicy we changed it up a bit, but you can get the full recipe on that link. &nbsp;For our version we:<br /><br /><b>1. &nbsp;Baked up the chicken wings nice and crunchy.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT4-Qzy1mE8/VsqEFhspvbI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ehIToldN6ZY/s1600/20160214_203451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OT4-Qzy1mE8/VsqEFhspvbI/AAAAAAAAAlw/ehIToldN6ZY/s640/20160214_203451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>2. Put together the sauce-</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><ul class="recipe-ingredients-list" style="background-color: #eef6e3; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0084px; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px;"><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems, finely chopped</li><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 tsp. grated lime peel</li><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3 Tbsp. lime juice</li><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">1 clove garlic, finely chopped</span></li><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 tsp.&nbsp;<a data-action="Product Info" data-category="Other" data-enabled="true" data-label="Knorr® Chicken flavor Bouillon - Recipe Ingredients" href="http://www.knorr.com/product/detail/958180/chicken" style="background: transparent; color: #008f45; font-size: 14.0014px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Knorr® Chicken flavor Bouillon</a></li><li itemprop="ingredients" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/4 cup Country Crock® Calcium plus Vitamin D, melted</li></ul><b>and pour it over the wings.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUYhhXQ7pqk/Vsqb7zV_nqI/AAAAAAAAAnA/o-FTaiKvH3s/s1600/wings%2Bwith%2Bsauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IUYhhXQ7pqk/Vsqb7zV_nqI/AAAAAAAAAnA/o-FTaiKvH3s/s640/wings%2Bwith%2Bsauce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But you can't have just that at a Superbowl Party, let's bring out some seafood!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_qP7XkmUfs/Vsqc0A6cEAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/94ezCSz2p_A/s1600/fish%2Bsandwich%2Bw%2Btropical%2Bsauce%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p_qP7XkmUfs/Vsqc0A6cEAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/94ezCSz2p_A/s640/fish%2Bsandwich%2Bw%2Btropical%2Bsauce%2Btext.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hellmanns.com/recipes/detail/41859/1/coconut-shrimp-minis-with-tropical-sauce" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Coconut Shrimp Minis with Tropical Sauce</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, we know it isn't coconut shrimp, but we wanted something a bit bigger than shrimp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;so we used fillets and it was just fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course you have to have chips and dip, but in our house it goes tropical too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buG_2PpZTZg/VsqgmJtk-aI/AAAAAAAAAnY/_bgr82SGbJg/s1600/avocado%2Bmango%2Bsalad%2Bw%2Btext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-buG_2PpZTZg/VsqgmJtk-aI/AAAAAAAAAnY/_bgr82SGbJg/s640/avocado%2Bmango%2Bsalad%2Bw%2Btext.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knorr.com/recipes/detail/50184/1/avocado-and-mango-salad" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Avocado and Mango Salad</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Up where we are the avocados aren't the best so instead of salad we made dips. Again, it was just fine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO9WMmaLRzA/VsqjS827aYI/AAAAAAAAAnk/_mmUjKgjfMs/s1600/full%2Bplate%2BTOUCHDOWN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WO9WMmaLRzA/VsqjS827aYI/AAAAAAAAAnk/_mmUjKgjfMs/s640/full%2Bplate%2BTOUCHDOWN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Now THAT's how you do a SuperBowl Party!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Of course there were drinks, and my wife's favorite, Mountain Dew had one of the weirdest commercials during the Superbowl. &nbsp;That's another enjoyable thing that people watch the Superbowl for is the commercials, which can be very entertaining, or just plain dumb. How weird was the "Puppy Monkey Baby" commercial for Mountain Dew Kickstart! Here, I'll let you decide for yourself.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ql7uY36-LwA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ql7uY36-LwA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No matter what you think of the teams, the Super Bowl is always about more than just football.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-56128998783505459242016-02-17T20:29:00.000-08:002016-02-20T21:38:45.800-08:00Celebrating Valentines DayValentine's Day is one of the more unusual days to celebrate. It is not really a holiday, but a day of expressing your love for someone. This can be very stressful whether you are married or just dating. For women they are usually on the receiving end during Valentine's Day, so no real pressure for them. For men you can't just blow this celebration day off, you have to come up with a nice evening out, or purchase something she will love.<br /><br />Don't stress this day guys, it is not worth it. &nbsp;Another key point to remember is you don't have to spend a fortune to make it through this day. Find out what things she loves that are affordable. My wife BB loves chocolates, cool scarfs and giraffes, so view the pictures below to see how this worked out. With this knowledge you will be able to make a stress-free decision. Here are some pictures of what I gave my wife BB for Valentine's day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNZ_e8kLxDU/VsVEMlTx2JI/AAAAAAAAAlI/u-GFvI9gbos/s1600/20160214_135248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mNZ_e8kLxDU/VsVEMlTx2JI/AAAAAAAAAlI/u-GFvI9gbos/s640/20160214_135248.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4btjYTbq10/VsVEFAOgT1I/AAAAAAAAAlE/0LvpMPT8kjQ/s1600/PhotoGrid_1455478296883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4btjYTbq10/VsVEFAOgT1I/AAAAAAAAAlE/0LvpMPT8kjQ/s640/PhotoGrid_1455478296883.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jscek4kdfSQ/VsVEx-ZMpkI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/jBzC2ikbxpw/s1600/20160214_135755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jscek4kdfSQ/VsVEx-ZMpkI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/jBzC2ikbxpw/s640/20160214_135755.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-84826186633945888352016-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:002016-01-18T20:06:10.718-08:00Living in a Small and Peaceful Little Town <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrx8TRiyEOU/Vp2y-6TpELI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fFqbmdI0G_g/s1600/DSCF2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrx8TRiyEOU/Vp2y-6TpELI/AAAAAAAAAkE/fFqbmdI0G_g/s640/DSCF2903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I feel lucky to live in a small and convenient small town. It is near the metropolis of Tallahassee, Florida, but is only miles from there and the gulf coast. If you are a writer, artist or just love nature, this is a great place to live. Nature and water are everywhere, but the town of Crawfordville is laid out, very conveniently.<br />&nbsp;Getting around by car, bike, walking, or golf cart can all be done here, effortlessly, and we have many name brand stores to shop. Many original restaurants and shops are also here giving it a unique feel. If you need the big city connection it is only minutes away by car. I feel fortunate to live in this beautiful little town, and never feeling stuck.michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-6188086933637944852016-01-08T21:00:00.000-08:002016-01-08T21:00:04.195-08:00I Just Gotta Have it-Morning Joe! #TwoRiversCoffee<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>Don't know about you, but I HAVE to have my Morning Coffee. At Least 2 cups worth. &nbsp;My wife <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" target="_blank">Babushka</a> knows this very well and thought I should join in this giveaway. &nbsp;Being a good husband and coffee lover, of course I said yes.</i></span></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><br /></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;">Two Rivers Coffee Giveaway (2 Winners!) Ends 1/22 #TwoRiversCoffee</h2><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/coffeegiveaway333333.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-42556"><img alt="coffeegiveaway333333" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-42556" src="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/coffeegiveaway333333-1024x640.jpg" height="375" width="600" /></a><strong>Deliciously Savvy Is Hosting a New Giveaway for 2 Lucky Winners To Receive The Two Rivers Coffee Premium Coffee Only Single Serve Gift Box (21 Count) with an ARV of $20 Each. Total Prizes $40 ARV. This is a Delicious Giveaway So Enter Today &amp; Good Luck! </strong></h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sponsored By: <a href="http://bestcoffeegiftever.com/" target="_blank">Two Rivers Coffee</a></strong></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Hosted By: <a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/" target="_blank">Deliciously Savvy</a></strong></h3><h4 style="text-align: center;">Co-Hosted By:</h4><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.aarlreviews.com/" target="_blank">Amy &amp; Aron's Real Life Reviews</a> // <a href="http://www.happilyeverrushed.com/" target="_blank">Happily Ever Rushed</a> // <a href="http://heartbeatssoulstains.com/wordpress1/" target="_blank">Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains</a> // <a href="http://www.imhoviewsreviewsandgiveaways.com/" target="_blank">IMHO Views, Reviews and Giveaways</a> // <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" target="_blank">Babushka's Baile</a> // <a href="http://mysillylittlegang.com/" target="_blank">My Silly Little Gang</a> // <a href="http://capriscouponsblog.com/" target="_blank">Capri's Coupons</a> // <a href="http://boxroundup.com/" target="_blank">Box Roundup</a> // <a href="http://michigansavingandmore.com/" target="_blank">Michigan Savings &amp; More</a></strong></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>PLUS a Big Shout Out To all Bloggers Helping to Promote! We appreciate all That You Do &amp; For Sharing With You Readers! Thank You!</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><h5 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TRC_Distressed_Logo.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-42557"><img alt="TRC_Distressed_Logo" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-42557" src="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TRC_Distressed_Logo-300x171.jpg" height="171" width="300" /></a><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/bestcoffeegiftever" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/bestcoffeegift" target="_blank">TWITTER</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bestcoffeegiftever/" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a></strong></h5><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tworiverssamplerpack111-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-42555"><img alt="tworiverssamplerpack111" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-42555" src="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/tworiverssamplerpack111-1-300x153.jpg" height="153" width="300" /></a><strong>Read My Review <a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/2015/12/28/my-savvy-review-of-two-rivers-coffee-premium-coffee-only-single-serve-gift-box-for-keurig-k-cup-brewers-21-count/" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong>2 Lucky Winners Will Receive <a href="http://amzn.to/1Sjfefg" target="_blank">Two Rivers Coffee Premium Coffee Single Serve Gift Box For Keurig (21 Count) </a>ARV $20 Each (Total ARV $40)</strong></h3><h1 id="andnowthegiveaway" style="text-align: center;"><strong>And Now The Giveaway!!!</strong></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Giveaway Dates ~ 1/08 9PM EST until 01/22 11:59PM EST </em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Entrants must be 18 years old to enter and giveaway is open to US residents only.</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;">Any Questions Email Me At mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated or associated with Facebook,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This giveaway is valid only</div><div style="text-align: center;">in the United States. Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This giveaway will end at 11:59PM (EST) on 01/22/2016.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Two Rivers Terms &amp; Conditions:</strong> <em>If you are an Honorary Brooklynite, Blogger or are affiliated with Two Rivers Coffee for any type of reviews, you are not eligible to enter contests. Only 1 entry per person and Only one prize per household, per 90 day period. <strong>May The Best Coffee Lover Win!</strong></em></div><div></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Good Luck! Enter Below </strong></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong> Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook!</strong></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>By Supporting Our Blogs Via Social Media You Are Helping Us To Provide Fabulous Prizes For Amazing Future Giveaways! Good Luck &amp; Thank You!</strong></h4><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="00a5dbed1895" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00a5dbed1895/" id="rcwidget_6rqle3mo" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="http://deliciouslysavvy.com/" target="_blank">Deliciously Savvy</a> did not receive any form of compensation for this giveaway. Once winner is selected via the Rafflecopter process, the product will be shipped. Winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. No other blog associated with this giveaway is responsible for the product shipment. Two Rivers Coffee will be providing the prizes above to the 2 winners. Thank You for stopping by!</strong></em> Any Questions or Concerns email me at <strong>mcushing7 (at) hotmail (dot) com.</strong></div><h4 style="text-align: center;">If you have any questions or are a brand/company and would like to work with <strong>Deliciously Savvy</strong> please contact us <strong><a href="mailto:mcushing7@hotmail.com" target="_blank">here</a></strong>.</h4><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good luck everybody!!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-36446612862980794442015-12-08T17:36:00.002-08:002015-12-28T19:28:20.867-08:00Vanity Fair, Art Basel and Miami BeachI have always wanted to attend the big art event called Art Basel located in glamorous Miami Beach since hearing about it. Well I finally got a chance to go to this international art event and experience everything it brings to this beautiful part of the world. This event is only held in &nbsp;two other cities around the world so it was exciting getting an "invite only" from Vanity Fair!<br /><br />Vanity Fair is a magazine my family has had a subscription &nbsp;for years and has some of the best written articles about contemporary life and style. It was really exciting attending the Vanity Fair Social Club held at the historic Wolfsonian-FIU world class art museum. This event was for social and entertainment influencers. The speakers at the event were absolutely fabulous.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9s400dbTsE/VmeDd8qbOpI/AAAAAAAAAgw/GUxjESRDcdE/s1600/CAM01202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B9s400dbTsE/VmeDd8qbOpI/AAAAAAAAAgw/GUxjESRDcdE/s640/CAM01202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The three lady speakers understand the significance of social media and use it effectively to market their products and services. Style is something Vanity Fair has been using for years to influence the world and now there is a whole new interactive way to do it. Style is something that is developed and not so much stated in today's fast paced world and the influence of social media on all subjects is very powerful. By evening this place turned into a big party and I really didn't want to leave.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nInz7dvBfvk/VmeFVr6UojI/AAAAAAAAAhE/9WpTtf_39Zk/s1600/IMG_20151204_194009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nInz7dvBfvk/VmeFVr6UojI/AAAAAAAAAhE/9WpTtf_39Zk/s640/IMG_20151204_194009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnX34hzmitA/VmeDzPfYsbI/AAAAAAAAAg4/eyN1Ptjc7wE/s1600/CAM01216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnX34hzmitA/VmeDzPfYsbI/AAAAAAAAAg4/eyN1Ptjc7wE/s640/CAM01216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Of course just being in the Art Deco South Beach area was amazing seeing the historic hotels made me feel like I was going to bump into somebody famous. We rounded the corner of the Versace house and almost got ran over by the Paparazzi as two entertainers made their way out of this noted place.<br /><br />I wish I could have seen more of Art Basel but will have to wait till next year. Thanks to my wife and Vanity Fair Social Club for inviting me!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET_ItPhqWss/VmeEQ8SHn1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/GBSoQMBG1nc/s1600/CAM01207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ET_ItPhqWss/VmeEQ8SHn1I/AAAAAAAAAhA/GBSoQMBG1nc/s640/CAM01207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-43650642400881075392015-11-26T10:53:00.001-08:002015-12-28T19:28:58.649-08:00The Hometown All Stars Hit a HomeRun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em>I am sharing this post as part of a collaboration with Bloggin' Mamas and The Hometown All Stars. I received books and other items in exchange for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own</em></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><br /></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Hometown All Stars Logo" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12568" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/The-Hometown-All-Stars-Logo1-300x240.png" height="512" title="Hometown All Stars Book Series and Giveaway" width="640" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em>. </em> &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;<span style="color: red;">This is a great book to help motivate kids to get outdoors and see what they are missing. It brought back my own baseball memories. These books have something for both kids and adults.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />The Hometown All Stars is a book series for children that focuses on teaching early sports skills along with interactive, educational activities, and more importantly – fun! Kids ages 3-7 years old and parents, teachers, librarians, and others who want to promote “Less Screen, More Green” and get kids outside and active again! The Hometown All Stars series is also for parents who don’t know much about baseball and want to be ahead of the curve when their kids begin to play, for sports enthusiasts looking for a book that doesn’t involve talking animals to read at bedtime to their children, and for anyone interested in promoting the love of baseball and sports overall to a new generation. Visit the site at <a href="http://thehometownallstars.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.TheHometownAllStars.com</a><br /><br /><h2>HOMETOWN ALL STARS AT A GLANCE</h2><h2><img alt="The Hometown All Stars Team " class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12566" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/the-team.jpg" height="365" width="527" /></h2><h3>Nick’s Very First Day of Baseball</h3><img alt="Nick's Very First Day of Baseball" class="aligncenter wp-image-12569 size-medium" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Nicks-Very-First-Day-of-Baseball-Cover-500x500.jpg" height="500" title="Nick's First Day of Baseball Hometown All Stars Giveaway" width="500" /><br /><br />&nbsp;Nick’s Very First Day of Baseball teaches children about baseball using real coaching techniques. In this interactive storybook, kids will find hidden baseballs in the pictures, answer trivia questions, and there’s even a page for autographs from their favorite players. Fun, interactive and educational.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">Kids will love this bright colored book filled with a fun day of starting baseball practice. It describes their first day of baseball practice brimming with all the fun things to do on a beautiful day and interacting with friends and feeling free to have a magical day in the kid world.</span><br /><h3></h3><h3>Magic Bat Day</h3><img alt="Magic Bat Day Cover" class="aligncenter wp-image-12570 size-medium" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Magic-Bat-Day-Cover-500x500.jpg" height="500" title="Magic Bat Day Hometown All Stars Giveaway" width="500" /><br /><br />Magic Bat Day is the first real practice after the Hometown All Stars get their uniforms. Batting is the most fun of all skills and drills! This book concept shows techniques of how to hold the bat and where to stand. Most importantly, it shows that every kid can find their own ‘magic’ bat and the magic within themselves to hit the ball!<br /><br />&nbsp; <span style="color: red;">This book describes the first real day of practice and the correct way to hit a baseball. There are lots of interactive fun things in the book and kids can see the magic of hitting a baseball for the first time.</span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><br /><h3>BUY The Books &amp; Help Others!</h3><img alt="hometown all stars donations" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12567" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hometown-all-stars-donations-500x225.jpg" height="225" width="500" /><br /><br />&nbsp; <a href="http://thehometownallstars.com/product/nicks-very-first-day-of-baseball/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BUY Nick's Very First Day of Baseball for $12.99 (Print) or $3.99 (Digital)</a> <a href="http://thehometownallstars.com/product/the-home-town-all-stars-book-magic-bat-day-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BUY Magic Bat Day for $12.99 (Print) or $3.99 (Digital)</a><br /><br /><h3>Get Social With The Hometown All Stars</h3><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHometownAllStars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hometownastars" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hometownastars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/HometownAllStar/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-christofora-8b31556" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Linkedin</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyLPts_lmU-Q1ZQe3pSskiw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Youtube</a> <a href="http://thehometownallstars.com/blog/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blog</a><br /><h2></h2><h2>And Now For The Giveaway</h2><img alt="The Hometown All Stars Giveaway- Ends 12-10-15. US 18+. Win a Barnes &amp; Noble Giftcard, books and more! " class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12572" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/12212002_10207700879980040_127644287_n-500x500.jpg" height="500" title=" Hometown All Stars Barnes &amp; Noble Gift Card Giveaway" width="500" /><br /><br />&nbsp;Give­away begins Novem­ber 26th, 2015 at 12:01 am <span class="caps">EST</span> and ends December 10th, 2015 at 11:59 pm <span class="caps">EST</span>. Open to <span class="caps">US</span> res­i­dents age 18 and older. Win­ner will be selected by Random.org and be noti­fied by email. See Give­away Tools wid­get below for full terms <span class="amp">&amp;</span> conditions. <br /><br /><div class="pgtContainpgt" id="pgt62620824809pgt"><a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=62620824809" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">Entry</a><script src="//giveawaytools2.com/wid/embed.php?sk=62620824809" type="text/javascript"></script><a href="https://giveawaytools2.com/giveaway.php?sk=62620824809" rel="nofollow" target="_BLANK2">-Form</a></div><em><br /></em><em>Dis­clo­sure: </em><a href="http://www.blogginmamas.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><em>Blog­gin’ Mamas</em></a><em> is host­ing this give­away and the Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. While I received the items mentioned above, all opinions expressed are mine</em>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-4424444238635303672015-10-06T21:08:00.001-07:002015-10-15T19:37:07.104-07:00The Beautiful Emerald CoastI have lived near this area they call the Emerald Coast for years but never really got a chance to visit. Lucky for me, my wife (BB) <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bohemian Babushka</a> found a way to get us a stay at the <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://wyndhamgardenftwaltonbeach.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wyndham Garden Hotel</a>&nbsp;</span>suite right on the beach in this beautiful part of the world. Waking up to a balcony view of the emerald water and the snow white sandy beach was like being transported into some magical laid back paradise. As I grabbed some coffee and sat out on the balcony taking in the view I thought &nbsp;to myself, yea I could get use to this.<br /><br />Thanks so much to my fantastic wife and the great David Triana the gifted orator and ambassador of the Emerald coast who publishes a newspaper of the area called <a href="http://www.conexionflorida.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conexion</a>&nbsp;for making this all possible. We didn't get a chance to explore the beautiful beaches and the sparkling city of Destin but had a great dinner at a place called <a href="http://www.bricabrac824.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bric a Brac</a>&nbsp;in Destin that had the coolest bar/music/live music venue I have seen. Very original eclectic place with dancing and I had Yuengling on tap and the spicy jambalaya , it was fantastic! Thanks to the nice owners for everything.<br /><br />Our stay was short and my wife performed with <a href="http://www.theaterwithamission.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Theatre with a Mission</a> at the civic center in Destin at an all day festival called <a href="http://www.unitedforagoodcause.org/hispanic-fest15/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hispanic Fest</a>. It had lots of live music and honored our veterans. I can't wait to go back to the <a href="http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/?utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=vanity&amp;utm_campaign=coasting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emerald Coast</a>&nbsp;that looks like something taken right out of the Caribbean!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLirW_mOopY/VhSYK7_G4_I/AAAAAAAAAeE/ginIQN_bGPI/s1600/20150926_091657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLirW_mOopY/VhSYK7_G4_I/AAAAAAAAAeE/ginIQN_bGPI/s320/20150926_091657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from my balcony at the Wyndham FWB.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_CXacwmmfk/VhSan5-pL9I/AAAAAAAAAeY/qIlRB9AfvF0/s1600/20150925_203310-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_CXacwmmfk/VhSan5-pL9I/AAAAAAAAAeY/qIlRB9AfvF0/s320/20150925_203310-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bric a Brac- highly recommend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-81925496429992056852015-09-02T15:15:00.002-07:002015-09-02T15:15:34.294-07:00Help your child be UnderstoodMy wife <a href="http://bohemianbabushka.bbabushka.com/" target="_blank">Babushka</a> brought this to my attention. This is a social good campaign her blogging network <a href="http://blogginmamas.com/" target="_blank">Bloggin' Mamas</a> is doing. &nbsp;I think it's a great cause and I'm happy to help spread the word. &nbsp;Here's their message.<br /><br />"The new school year is on the horizon, or maybe your kids have already started, either way it can be a fun but trying time for parents and kids alike. That can be especially true if you have a child who struggles with school, attention, and focus, amongst other behavioral challenges. It’s never easy getting kids transitioned into a new school setting. Been there, done that! Understanding and advocating for our children is so important.<img alt="understood pic" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12290" src="http://blogginmamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/understood-pic-500x280.png" height="280" width="500" /><br /><br /> One in five children struggle with issues related to reading, math, writing, focus, and organization, yet many children with learning and attention issues do not have a diagnosis. The adults in their lives often have a hard time understanding their issues due to misconceptions and a lack of information and resources. As a result, children with learning and attention issues often face both academic and social challenges. Sometimes returning to school after a long summer break can bring out some pretty tough emotions for kids. If you are sitting there reading this, stressed out and feeling alone, don’t be. You are definitely not alone. There are so many others who have been sitting right where you are. <a href="https://www.understood.org/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understood</a> is an organization that was created by a coalition of 15 nonprofits, and its content and tools were informed by a survey of more than 2,200 parents of children with learning and attention issues. <a href="https://www.understood.org/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understood</a> offers free daily access to experts through chats and webinars, a safe online community that encourages parents to reach out to and learn from each other and a suite of specially designed, first-of-their-kind tools that will help you prepare your child for back to school and cope with everything that comes along with it. <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AICwhWLnL0k" width="560"></iframe><br /><br />&nbsp; <a href="https://www.understood.org/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Understood</a> provides parents with clear explanations about learning and attention issues. The resources they provide will give you advice on how to help your child cope with those issues when returning to school and throughout the school year. It offers practical advice for parents on everything from how to partner with their child’s teachers, Back to School preparation, and help with homework to how to cope with the anxiety that comes with back to school. Here are some of the tools that you can utilize to discover what Understood has to offer: <br /><ul><li><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/choosing-starting-school/back-to-school/back-to-school-countdown-a-4-week-plan-to-get-ready" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Back to School Preparedness Countdown </a>- Start the new school year off right! There’s a lot going on—and a lot to keep track of. Download this one-month planner, which has daily tips to get your child with learning and attention issues ready for going back to school.</li><li><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">General School and Learning Section </a> - Read through each section to see what we have to offer. Complete your profile and let us show you how we can help.</li><li><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/managing-feelings/stress-anxiety/how-can-i-help-my-child-cope-with-anxiety-about-going-back-to-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Help a Child Cope with School Anxiety </a> - My son is anxious about going back to school, and the closer we get to the first day back, the worse it gets. He’s been acting out and throwing tantrums, saying he refuses to go. What can I do?</li><li><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Working With Your Child's School </a>- Parents often don’t want to bother teachers in September and October. But talking early in the school year can set the stage for strong communication throughout the year. Here are topics that can get the dialogue going.</li><li><a href="https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/partnering-with-childs-school/working-with-childs-teacher/10-ways-to-be-an-effective-advocate-for-your-child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to be an Effective Advocate for Your Child</a> - As a parent, you are your child’s best education advocate—until he’s old enough and informed enough to speak up for himself. You know your child’s strengths and challenges, and you can help identify and push for the resources your child needs to succeed. Here are some tips to help you advocate for your child at school.</li></ul>Maybe you are a parent of a struggling child, or even a friend or family member who is watching the struggle from afar. Understood has resources for everyone to learn how to help these kiddos face these challenges together. <a href="http://elementassociates.us5.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=dbf46b578e436415b3bdaf476&amp;id=fe2bf4b54b&amp;e=ed6b5c1d4d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The You &amp; Your Family section</a> helps families with practical solutions and advice for social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. This may give you more opportunity to prepare them for the coming school year, as well as engaging in fun family activities. Children, family and education are such an important part of life. Sometimes you have to take the hard with the easy, the bad with the good. If you know someone who is struggling, be it a parent or a child; encourage them to check out Understood. They may find exactly the help and inspiration that they need!"<br /><em><br /></em><em>Disclosure: I am sharing this as part of a <a href="http://www.blogginmamas.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bloggin' Mamas</a> Social Good Campaign conducted in conjunction with Element Associates. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. </em>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-14395687775111725212015-08-11T09:07:00.002-07:002016-01-18T18:46:19.899-08:00In Miami They Won't Leave You HungryMy Cuban-American wife and I were visiting her family in Miami this past month. The good people of Miami will make sure you are full or "te llenaste" as my wife calls it. We spent<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9j2KkP_Iak/Vcl7iBsgDZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/X6nMER77A-o/s1600/CAM00948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e9j2KkP_Iak/Vcl7iBsgDZI/AAAAAAAAAcU/X6nMER77A-o/s640/CAM00948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>some time at my wife's grandmas place in the walk-able neighborhood of &nbsp;Little Havana. This is a convenient place to walk, or ride a bike around to see the colorful places including restaurants like Versailles. &nbsp;This is the worlds most famous Cuban restaurant, and was in the movie "Chef". I didn't eat here on this trip, but let me tell you they serve some big portions. They even have a section of the restaurant that is only desserts and coffee!<br />Two family gatherings provided big portions of barbecue, and Cuban food like black beans and rice, crispy plantain chips along with pulled pork. The point is, there was lots of food for everyone wherever &nbsp;we went. Even fresh Cuban bread is available at the little store only one block from the apartment. So if you ever visit the magic city, you will be amazed at the variety of fresh food available, and they will serve you well!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9leCBYGCN4/Vp2Da1gCzrI/AAAAAAAAAjM/QINS7kME_TA/s1600/935446879816764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9leCBYGCN4/Vp2Da1gCzrI/AAAAAAAAAjM/QINS7kME_TA/s640/935446879816764.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793677069813544296.post-83535575686241070212015-07-13T15:50:00.001-07:002016-01-18T18:58:53.540-08:00It's Good To Escape To MiamiIt's good to have a place to get away to, like Miami. OK, I'm lucky, my Latina wife grew up in Miami and her family is there. So we can visit grand-kids, and do other great things that a city this size has to offer. My Cuban wife always says "You will be eating good when we visit", and you know that is very true. Of course there are some nice tropical beaches to enjoy. My wife makes meals like the Cuban steak sandwich, pasta with red sauce, meat, garlic bread made from Cuban bread. Chicken dishes with black beans, rice, and plantains is always one of my favorites. A little wine for the meal, and of course tropical ice cream! There are things here you can't find anywhere,<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am enjoying!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9WjhWXt1_I/VaQ-vzM0dHI/AAAAAAAAAao/l0OIExHJqlU/s1600/CAM00960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9WjhWXt1_I/VaQ-vzM0dHI/AAAAAAAAAao/l0OIExHJqlU/s640/CAM00960.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEv4ewR4adQ/VaQ-zSLSYFI/AAAAAAAAAaw/fNMC7Bk_Yqk/s1600/CAM00949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gEv4ewR4adQ/VaQ-zSLSYFI/AAAAAAAAAaw/fNMC7Bk_Yqk/s640/CAM00949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cCLwR3FM4s/VaQ-2NC_ipI/AAAAAAAAAa4/zBqPm6wMJgA/s1600/CAM00955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cCLwR3FM4s/VaQ-2NC_ipI/AAAAAAAAAa4/zBqPm6wMJgA/s640/CAM00955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>michael nickshttps://plus.google.com/101620691217765111222noreply@blogger.com1